Pizza Hut, for those times when your cheese cravings can't be satisified anywhere else. Likely to be the same standard the world over, serving you 'a decent pizza' (especially the thin-base). Not as good as a real pizzeria, but better than most you can find in the psuedo-Italian restaurants in China.

Service is good, queues often long (especially around noon and 6pm), and prices are generally higher than elsewhere. However, it's quick, clean, and consistent. If you like what's on special offer then you can also get a good deal.

Facing the Pearl River it is also ideally located.

The Spaghetti House is another franchised restaurant chain that has taken Hong Kong by storm, and has now recently opened in Guangzhou.

Food and prices are not bad, although the sauces tend to be too rich, and it is no substitute for a 'real' Italian restaurant. It makes for a popular venue for young people.

The Olive Italian Restaurant boasts an Italian chef, and makes for a good romantic evening.

Prices range from 30-50 for salad or soup, with main courses between 150-200, and pasta at 60-80. Food is very delicious and there is a live Jazz band from 9pm.

They have an outdoor area, along with a large selection of wines. Food is very good with large portions, although this does come at a price. Wine will set you back between 300-600, and food between 30-200.

Prices are expensive. There is a lunch buffet (Monday to Friday) from 48-98. Salads are 28-58, Italian rice is 58, Pizza / Pasta is 68, and main courses between 140-200.

Conveniently located close to the Garden Hotel this restaurant serving Italian food is sure to be popular with business people and tourists. It's set in a large old house just off Huan Shi Dong Lu, amidst a beautiful garden.

The interior of the restaurant, however, is not so beautiful, and you are basically sat inside someone's house - from the furniture to the carpet, it's all very homely, and the restaurant is spread across several small rooms. This may make for a more cosy atmosphere, but it makes for a difficult time attracting the attention of staff.

Pizzas, while small, are perfectly formed and tasty. Prices are good, averaging around 40 for a 9" pizza.

One of our favourite Italian restaurants in Guangzhou, Anti-Pasto is tucked quietly away behind the Garden Hotel. Tastefully decorated in an interest round building, and serving good Italian food, it's the place to head to when you want some exclusivity from the usual pandemonium of Chinese restaurants.

The staff speak English and have learnt the most important rule of Western restaurants - don't hover around your customers.

La Seine is Guangzhou's leading French restaurant, serving very high quality and delicate meals. It is a favourite location for expats and the nouveaux riche, and Sunday's lunch buffet is always popular.

Located on Er Sha Island inside the Xing Hai concert hall, directly opposite the pearl river and Guangzhou Art Museum, it is ideally situated for an evening of romance and luxury.

Madison American Food & Drink is a slice of all-American pie in Guangzhou, proving you everything from American steaks to American-style sandwiches.

It has a nice environment and is very suitable for business people to stop by for lunch or dinner. Prices range from 50-100 for starters, and 120-250 for main courses, so tends towards the expensive end. However, pizzas are very well priced (slightly cheaper than Pizza Hut), and Sandwiches are the same price as Subway (18-40). Burgers come with a bountiful supply of beef, and sandwiches are made from freshly cooked bread. Super stuff.

The Sportsman's American Restaurant is another slice of America in Guangzhou. Spread across two floors not only does it provide a wide selection of authentic American food, but it has a well-stocked bar, along with many bar games and a large upstairs area appropriate for private gatherings.

Salads are great, and pizzas are large and well-stocked (the feta-cheese pizza is particularly good). Most ingredients are imported, and they even make their own homous. Portions are large and prices are very reasonable.